A medical doctor by profession, a tough negotiator and a climate leader who puts the health and well-being of people at the centre of climate change talks, Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Dr Deborah Mlongo Barasa, is at the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) at a time when the health of people and the health of the planet are no longer being treated as separate but interconnected issues. One Health is dependent on the health of the other.
As the leader of Kenya’s delegation at COP31 in Antalya, Turkey, Dr Barasa has made Kenya’s position clear: COP31 must be an implementation COP for Kenya and the continent. Ensuring that promises made translate into action is a priority.
She has walked the talk, starting with ensuring that past commitments are formalised. She signed the Intergovernmental Declaration on Children, Youth and Climate Action, a commitment dating back to COP25.
The ratification makes Kenya the 80th signatory, placing the country among those committed to putting children’s rights, needs and voices at the heart of climate action.
Also Read: Kenya Puts Vulnerable Cities at the Centre of Its Climate Adaptation Push at COP31
Addressing the Kenyan delegation at the Antalya Expo Centre, comprising government negotiators, climate leaders, technical teams, civil society, the private sector and the fourth estate, she emphasised President William Ruto’s climate action vision.
She urged the delegation to “firmly defend Kenya’s red lines, safeguard national interests, and actively shape global negotiation outcomes.
With communities across the country facing the adverse impacts of climate change, including the ongoing threats highlighted by the Kenya Meteorological Department around El Niño, rising temperatures, drought and floods, Kenya cannot settle for mere pledges.”
Also Read: Ruto Details How He Has Put Kenya on Global Map in a Bold Diplomatic Scorecard
Beyond the negotiating rooms, the delegation has been tasked with proactively engaging bilateral, multilateral, philanthropic and private-sector partners to mobilise critical resources for climate action.
The focus, according to Barasa, remains squarely on practical implementation: securing concrete commitments on climate financing, adaptation and a just energy transition that directly protect vulnerable communities on the ground.
She urged the Kenyan delegation to put aside distractions and remain focused on the goal, ensuring maximum accountability and alignment throughout the high-stakes summit.
The delegation is providing around-the-clock briefings on areas of consensus and outstanding differences. Kenya continues to lead from the front, turning climate ambition into real action.
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